How to Sound Proof Your Walls with Insulation

Whether you have a music room or a teenager, soundproofing your walls with insulation may help keep your home more peaceful. While adding insulating materials to the outside of your walls may seem simpler, there is more success in soundproofing with insulation. When you use insulation as a soundproofing method, the results are more permanent, appear cleaner, and tend to work better. Consider insulation for noise reduction in your home. 

How Does Insulation Reduce Noise?

Insulation acts as a noise reducer by preventing sound waves from passing through. Insulation is a soft place for sound waves to land rather than bounce around. While standard insulation can accomplish this, acoustic insulation is far better because the absorption is far better. 

Some insulating materials serve to block the sound waves instead of absorbing them. Determining which option is best for your space requires understanding the difference between sound absorption and sound blocking. 

Should Sound be Absorbed or Blocked?

Sound absorption and blocking are what it sounds like. Absorbing sounds result in the sound waves stopping where they are instead of traveling back where they came from. Blocking, however, prevents the sound from passing through something and pushes it back into the room where it originated. 

Deciding between the two starts with knowing your purpose for soundproofing. A teenager’s bedroom that contains the sounds of loud music or video games may thrive with absorbent soundproofing, while a media room or home theatre can achieve the whole experience with sound blocking. 

Which Materials are Best for Soundproofing with Insulation?

There are five insulating materials to focus on when choosing a soundproofing method. These materials include 

• Fiberglass
• Blown-in cellulose
• Foam board
• Spray foam insulation
• Mineral wool

Each material has benefits and drawbacks, and the best for your project depends on your needs.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a common insulation material that can also absorb sound. It is made of plastic spun like wool and has small glass fragments to act as reinforcement. Many homes are insulated using fiberglass, which is cost-effective and partly made from recycled items. If you’re looking to soundproof on a budget, fiberglass may be a good option. 

Blown-In Cellulose

Blown-In cellulose is a superior option to fiberglass, although it is also more expensive. This material is also easier to install if you already have constructed walls, as there is no need to remove the drywall altogether. If you want to make your existing home soundproofing more effortless, you may want to consider blown-in cellulose.

Foam Board

There are a couple of different kinds of foam boards available, and it is vital to consider the type before purchasing for soundproofing. The cheaper option is not often recommended to prevent sound from traveling, as it is not as effective. Purchasing thicker foam boards are the best way to soundproof with this material, as it blocks the sound. 

Spray Foam

Spray foam is another sound blocker that can help you to prevent noise from traveling. Most professionals recommend closed cell spray foam when soundproofing; when it cures, it is solid and hard, blocking sounds from passing through. The professional installer must be careful not to overextend the framing with the foam, as it can result in cracking wood. Not only could this be dangerous, but sound can easily pass through them. 

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool is an excellent option because of its resistance to damage. It is similar to fiberglass but is firmer and stands strong over time. This material is also better at absorbing sound than fiberglass. However, it can run as much as 50% more in cost.  

Get Help with SoundProofing with Insulation

Soundproofing can be a messy DIY project. There is no need for you to worry when Anderson Insulation is assisting. Reach out today for more information.